National ASL Interpreter Income Study:
PNW Deep Dive
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Saturday, November 15th, 2025
8:30am-1:00pm
PCC Sylvania
12000 SW 49th Ave
Portland, OR 97219
Session Description
For too long, conversations about interpreter income, rates, and finances have been swept under the rug. We've heard the stories of inequity, especially for interpreters from marginalized communities. We’ve seen the toll that scarcity takes:
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burnout
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interpreters leaving the field
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underskilled practitioners
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lack of preparedness for retirement
Lack of discussion on these critical issues has only caused harm, impacting both interpreters and the Deaf community we serve. Let’s bring these hidden truths to light.
This engaging session presents results from the first-of-its-kind National ASL Interpreter Income Study. This isn't just about raw numbers; it's about understanding the nuance and context of the interpreter experience. We are sharing rich demographic, sentiment, and workplace information, all presented in clear, compelling graphics. We will explore how various factors overlap and align, with income data that has real meaning after it's been adjusted for regional cost of living.
This session isn't just a data dump. It's an invitation to evidence-based dialogue. We'll confront pervasive myths and anecdotes with hard data, fostering a space for honest discussion. You'll have the chance to consider real-world applications, impacts on your own practice, and how you can bring this vital information back to your own communities.
It's time for interpreters to get ahead of the curve. It's time to understand how our relationship with money impacts our work, ourselves, and the Deaf community. Join us to explore this unprecedented data, engage in vital conversations guided by evidence and equity, and contribute to the positive change our field desperately needs.
Educational Objectives
Upon completion of this activity, participants will be able to:
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Analyze and assess at least one common narrative about interpreter income, utilizing both new and existing data
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Examine their own business practices, reflecting on the emotions, narratives, and evidence that have contributed to their decisions
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Describe at least two areas of business practices where interpreter practitioners and/or students could benefit from further exploration, research, and information-sharing
Presenter Bios
Steve Smith is a nationally certified Deaf-parented interpreter living in a suburb of Sacramento, California. He especially enjoys working with Deaf academics and professionals.
Steve values the education he received from the Deaf community and from lived experience, and he is passionate about supporting both new and experienced interpreters in becoming the best practitioners they can be. His work on the National Interpreter Income Survey has provided opportunities to transform the interpreting profession as we know it, sparking dialogue and fostering change across the field.
When he's not interpreting, Steve enjoys trail running, kayaking, and spending time with his wife, three children, and three grandchildren.
Colleen Jones (CJ) is the owner of The Insightful Interpreter and is a nationally certified interpreter, researcher, teacher, and presenter from Seattle. She holds undergraduate degrees from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and Seattle Central Community College, and a Masters degree from Western Oregon University.
CJ’s interpreting work is focused on medical, business, and DeafBlind settings, and she has published research on the topics of gender bias, consumer orientation, and interpreter income.
In her spare time (what's that?) CJ enjoys getting in cold water, developing her green thumb, and travel. She is currently working on a bucket list of islands to visit across the world.
Additional Info
ORID is an Approved RID CMP Sponsor for continuing education activities. This Professional Studies program is offered for 0.4 CEUs at the Little/None Content Knowledge Level.
The target audience is working interpreters, students of interpreting, and interpreter educators.
ORID is committed to an environment free of discrimination or harassment based on gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, or any other protected class.
Refunds provided only for emergencies. Email secretary@orid.org to request a refund.
This event will be presented in ASL.
To request accommodations, email secretary@orid.org, preferably by November 8th, 2025.